The LONG Ride…

I only started going cycling a few months ago, I have been to spinning classes for over a year but actually getting out on the road is something that I haven’t done in any capacity. In two weeks time Laura’s dad is embarking on the London -> Southend Bike ride, I had planned on joining him but unfortunately the date clashed with a prior engagement so had to pull out. However, I did volunteer to join him with some training rides, an offer that he has taken up on and since that point I have been out with him on a 13miler and 16 miler cycle.

When I moved into the flat the previous owner left a mountain bike in our garage, it was a reasonable one (better than my own one) with suspension etc and when the sun finally came out I decided to take it out for a ride! Unfortunately the gears could do with a service to allow the hardest gears to connect, but I can’t grumble for something that was free

On Saturday I offered my services to Laura’s dad once again and went out on what was to be the final long training session on his run-up to the L->S ride. He had plotted a 40-50mile trip and whilst I thought it would be achievable I was of course a little bit anxious and was worried that I might by more of a hindrance than a help, especially as he was out on a road bike vs my MTB.

We had planned to try to venture into Greenwich via London Cycle Route 1. This goes from Dover through Dartford, where we would pick it up, and heads into Erith before joining the Thames Path all the way into London. Parts of the cycle path were blissful, wide lanes very few foot passengers and flat. However, unfortunately the whole experience had some negatives mainly the lack of signage on parts of the route and also the way that it appears property developers can just put up boarding and flats on the paths providing no alternative stair free route for the cyclist. There was one place in particular, where I wish I stopped to take a photo, that had the green cycle path carry on into the new developments perimeter and disappear under it. To the right there were two flights of stairs, time to do as the numerous signs on route suggested and “Dismount”…

After 24 miles and at about 11ish we made it into Greenwich, stopping for a coke and a cheeky quarter pounder (not the most athletic break I will be the first to admit but we didn’t have the fries ) Re-energised we set back off on our way home following the cycle path again. Heading home on the whole was much easier, we had realised our lesson with the route signs and knew if we didn’t see one after about 50 meters we had probably gone wrong so turned back and tried again! We did manage to stay on the path a bit longer to our disadvantage, after 38miles, still on cycle route 1 we entered a 3 mile gravel and stone path. It was tough for me on my MTB but I can’t imagine how tricky it must have been for Martin on the road bike! To make matters worse, this 3 mile diversion was ultimately one big loop bringing us out about 1/4 mile down the road from where we started!

40 miles into the journey we entered Dartford and had to head up the biggest hill of the day, by this point I was starting to struggle a bit, nothing some energy wouldn’t have fixed but knowing the end was close I pushed on. This was possibly the wrong call as the last 5 miles I was riding on empty and found it reasonably tough. That said my legs weren’t hurting I just didn’t have anything left to give, it actually felt completely different to the feeling I have when running when I just can’t continue…

Anyway – it was a great morning, the sun was out and it was an enjoyable way to spend 5 hours. It did mean that I had to forgo my weekend LSR but I don’t think in the grand scheme of things that matters too much! I do now want a better bike but all in good time, all in good time…